How to Get Into Ohio State Law School (2024-2025)

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, is one of the most respected law schools in the nation. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, pioneering research, and professional training. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the school offers a vibrant and collegial community that fosters future leaders in the legal profession.

Getting into Ohio State Law School is a competitive process, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can enhance your chances of acceptance. Moritz College of Law is recognized for its strong focus on legal theory, practical training, and its deep commitment to public service. This comprehensive guide covers the admissions process, academic programs, key statistics, and tips on how to craft a standout application.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Ohio State Law School?

Ohio State University Moritz College of Law consistently ranks among the top American law schools, making admission highly competitive. With its emphasis on practical teaching and professional training, innovative research, and a commitment to public interest, Moritz attracts ambitious applicants from across the country.

The admissions committee seeks well-rounded candidates with strong academic credentials, leadership potential, and a passion for legal service. High LSAT scores and GPAs are essential, but successful applicants also bring unique experiences and perspectives that align with the school’s mission.

Ohio State Law School Acceptance Rate

Ohio State University Moritz College of Law receives thousands of applications each year, reflecting its competitive admissions process. The acceptance rate is 33.1% making it essential for applicants to demonstrate both academic excellence and personal qualities that align with the school’s emphasis on leadership and professional training. Many graduates go on to successful careers in private practice, government, and public interest law firms.

Ohio State Law Acceptance Rate Over Time

Programs Offered by Ohio State Law School

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program

The J.D. program at Moritz College of Law offers a rigorous academic program that emphasizes teaching both theoretical and practical aspects of the law. Students can tailor their education by specializing in areas such as:

• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Public Interest Law
• Corporate and Business Law
• Environmental Law
• Health Law
• International Law

Students can also opt for flexible study plans, including part-time options that allow them to complete their degree over two to four years. The program can be pursued in-person, online, or through a hybrid format, catering to diverse student needs.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program

The LL.M. program at Moritz is designed for international lawyers seeking advanced legal training in the U.S. legal system. This program offers concentrations in areas such as:

• Corporate Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Labor and Employment Law
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Specialized Programs

Ohio State Law provides unique opportunities for students to enhance their education and leadership skills through the following initiatives:

• Program on Law and Leadership (PLL): Develops leadership skills by engaging with lawyer-leaders and industry experts.
• Bridging Perspectives Program: Encourages collaborative discussions on challenging topics, fostering critical thinking and diverse viewpoints.
• Customized Programs: Students can work with the assistant dean to create personalized concentrations that align with their career goals.

Clinical and Hands-On Learning Opportunities

• Clinics: Students handle live cases in areas such as mediation, criminal defense, and public service law. Alumni have gone on to become district court judges, justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and U.S. senators.
• Externships: Opportunities to work with government agencies, law firms, and public interest organizations.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Training: Recognized as one of the top programs in the country for dispute resolution.

Ohio State Law Admissions Stats: LSAT, GPA, & Class Profile

One of the key benefits of attending Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is that it attracts a diverse and talented group of students from across the country and the world. The admissions committee seeks candidates who excel academically, bring unique perspectives, demonstrate leadership potential, and have a commitment to the legal profession.

Class Profile

• Women: 50%
• Students of Color: 28%
• LGBTQ+: 14%
• First-Generation College Students: 12%
• Enrollment (in-state): 73.4%
• Enrollment (out-state): 26.6%
• First-time bar passage: 89.9%

How to Get Into Ohio State Law With a Low GPA/Test Score

• Write an outstanding personal statement — Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you’re a standout candidate beyond your academic metrics. Share a compelling story, highlight significant experiences, and connect your background and career aspirations to Ohio State Law’s values and mission. A strong personal narrative can help offset lower scores.
• Secure exceptional letters of recommendation — Strong endorsements from professors, employers, or mentors who know you well can greatly enhance your application. Choose recommenders who can speak to your intellectual abilities, work ethic, and character with specific and impactful examples. These letters can provide a compelling case for your potential if your numbers fall short.
• Consider retaking the LSAT — If your initial LSAT score is below Ohio State Law’s median, retaking the test after focused preparation can significantly improve your chances. Many applicants see notable score increases on their second or third attempt, demonstrating resilience and growth.
• Write an addendum — If there are extenuating circumstances that affected your GPA or test scores, such as illness, family challenges, or other hardships, include a brief addendum in your application. Explain the situation factually and professionally, focusing on how you’ve overcome the challenge and demonstrated your abilities since.
• Apply early in the admissions cycle — Submitting your application as early as possible increases your chances of acceptance. Early applicants benefit from a more favorable review as spots are still plentiful, and admissions committees can dedicate more time to evaluating holistic applications.
• Gain relevant work experience — Professional experience, particularly in law-related or leadership roles, can help demonstrate maturity, drive, and readiness for law school. Applicants with a few years of full-time work experience often have stronger applications, as they bring unique perspectives and accomplishments that may outweigh lower academic metrics.

How to Apply to Ohio State Law School

Ohio State University Law Application Deadlines (2024-2025)

• Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 (at 11:59 pm ET)
• Preferred Deadline: March 31, 2025
• Early Decision Deadline: November 18, 2024 (all materials must be received by November 30, 2024)
• Decision Notifications: Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early Decision applicants will receive their decisions by December 19, 2024, with a seat deposit due by February 1, 2025. Regular decisions typically begin in December 2024 and continue through the summer of 2025.

Ohio State Law Application Overview

• Application Fee: $60 (non-refundable)
  • Applicants may request a need-based fee waiver directly through the Moritz College of Law.
• Standardized Test Score: Ohio State Law requires the LSAT. Applicants must take the test no later than the final application deadline.
• Transcripts: Submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required, but applicants may submit up to three. It is strongly recommended that at least one letter come from an academic source.
• Resume: Submit a professional resume detailing academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles. Limit to one or two pages.
• Personal Statement: Provide a personal statement that highlights your motivations for pursuing a law degree, your interest in Ohio State Law, and how your experiences align with the school’s values.
• Optional Statement: Applicants may submit an additional statement to explain any unique aspects of their background, experiences, or perspectives that would contribute to the law school community.
• Character & Fitness Questions: Applicants must disclose any relevant information about academic or legal conduct issues.
• Interview: By invitation only. Interviews are conducted virtually and typically begin in December 2024 for Early Decision applicants and continue throughout the admissions cycle for regular applicants.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition Costs:

• In-State Tuition: $34,086 per year
• Out-of-State Tuition: $49,338 per year

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Additional financial aid options, including grants and federal loans, are available to eligible students.

Different Types of Applicants — Requirements

Reapplicants

Reapplicants to Ohio State Law should focus on demonstrating significant growth since their previous application. This can include improved LSAT scores, a stronger GPA, additional work experience, or new academic achievements. A revised personal statement and updated recommendation letters can highlight these improvements. Reapplicants are encouraged to address their progress in an optional statement, providing a clear narrative of how they’ve strengthened their candidacy.

Community College Graduates

Community college graduates bring unique perspectives to Ohio State Law. Applicants who transferred from a community college to a four-year institution should emphasize their academic achievements after transferring and explain how their journey has prepared them for the challenges of law school. The personal statement is an excellent place to highlight resilience, adaptability, and accomplishments that set them apart.

Military Service Members and Veterans

Ohio State Law deeply values the leadership, discipline, and service of military applicants. Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to include documentation of their service and use their statements to explain how their military experiences have shaped their decision to pursue a legal career. Letters of recommendation from military colleagues or commanding officers in government service can provide strong endorsements of their leadership and teamwork.

International Applicants

International students are welcome to apply to Ohio State Law’s J.D. and LL.M. programs. These applicants must provide transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, translated into English if necessary, and demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores unless their degree was completed in English. A personal statement should reflect how their international experiences contribute to the Moritz community, and applicants should ensure they meet all visa and immigration requirements with guidance from the admissions office.

Transfer Students

Students who have completed at least one year at an ABA-accredited law school may apply to transfer to Moritz College of Law. These applicants must submit a law school transcript reflecting strong academic performance, along with a letter of good standing from their current institution. The personal statement should address why the transfer is being sought and how Ohio State Law aligns with their career aspirations.

First-Generation College Students

First-generation college students are encouraged to apply and share their unique experiences in overcoming barriers to higher education. The personal statement is an ideal place to discuss how these experiences have shaped their goals and prepared them for success in law school. Ohio State Law provides resources and a supportive community for first-generation students to thrive.

Applicants With Significant Work Experience

Applicants with significant work experience bring maturity and valuable insights to the classroom. These candidates should emphasize their professional achievements, leadership roles, and transferable skills in both their resume and personal statement. Connecting this experience to their motivation for pursuing law and their long-term career goals can make their application stand out.

5 Expert Tips for How to Get Into Ohio State Law School (2024-2025)

1. Strategically Leverage the Rolling Admissions Process

Ohio State Law’s rolling admissions process means that the earlier your application is submitted, the better your chances. Admissions committees have more time to thoroughly review applications early in the cycle when fewer spots have been filled. To capitalize on this, aim to submit your application by the preferred deadline of March 31, 2025, or earlier. Early submissions also allow you to address any issues (e.g., missing documents) well before the final deadline. Prepare your materials by September and take the LSAT no later than October for maximum flexibility.

2. Customize Your Personal Statement for Ohio State Law

Generic personal statements won’t stand out. Tailor your essay specifically to Ohio State Law by emphasizing how the school’s programs align with your goals. For example, highlight your interest in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if you plan to specialize in this nationally ranked program. Mention specific faculty members whose research or teaching interests resonate with you, such as those in public interest law, and discuss how their expertise could shape your education. This shows that you’ve researched the school thoroughly and are genuinely interested in attending.

3. Optimize Letters of Recommendation to Highlight Key Traits

The quality of your recommendation letters matters more than the quantity. Focus on obtaining letters that provide deep insights into your intellectual abilities, character, and leadership potential. For academic references, ask professors who can speak to your analytical skills and ability to excel in rigorous environments. If you’re applying after time in the workforce, ask supervisors who can detail how your professional accomplishments, problem-solving skills, and work ethic make you an ideal candidate. Provide recommenders with specific examples of your achievements and a copy of your résumé to ensure they can craft personalized and compelling letters.

4. Use the Optional Statement to Address Weaknesses or Highlight Strengths

The optional statement is a powerful tool often overlooked by applicants. Use it to address potential weaknesses in your application, such as a lower GPA or LSAT score, and provide a factual, concise explanation. Alternatively, use this space to highlight unique strengths or experiences not covered elsewhere, such as overcoming significant challenges, holding leadership roles in impactful organizations, or having diverse perspectives that contribute to the Ohio State Law community. Be strategic and ensure the statement complements, rather than repeats, your personal statement.

5. Demonstrate Leadership and Initiative Through Your Résumé

Your résumé isn’t just a list of jobs and activities—it’s a narrative that showcases your leadership, initiative, and readiness for law school. Highlight roles where you made measurable impacts, such as increasing organizational efficiency, leading teams, or initiating new programs. If you have relevant experience in fields like criminal law, public interest work, or government service, be specific about the skills you gained and the outcomes of your efforts. For example, instead of writing "Assisted with legal research," write "Conducted legal research that contributed to the successful resolution of three criminal defense cases." Use your résumé to tell a story that aligns with Ohio State Law’s values and priorities.

The Bottom Line

Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is a nationally respected institution known for its rigorous academics, world-class faculty, and practical training opportunities. As part of the world's great educational institutions, Moritz College of Law stands out for its history, contributions to legal education, and its place in a top-tier academic community. With competitive admissions, the school values strong academic credentials, leadership potential, and diverse perspectives. To maximize your chances, focus on crafting a standout personal statement, securing strong recommendations, and showcasing your unique experiences. Ohio State Law takes a holistic approach to admissions, offering pathways for first-generation students, veterans, and international applicants while providing a collegial community to support student success. Graduates enjoy exceptional career prospects in law firms, government, and public interest law firms, making Moritz College of Law an excellent choice for aspiring legal professionals.

Applying to law school can be stressful, but a coach can make it easier. They’ll help you write a strong personal statement, prepare for interviews, and make sure your application stands out. Whether you’re applying to Ohio State Law or another top school, an expert coach can guide you every step of the way.

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• How to Answer the Most Common Law School Interview Questions
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FAQs

Is Georgetown Law a prestigious school?

• Yes, Georgetown Law is highly regarded and consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States. Its strong academic programs, excellent faculty, and strategic location in Washington, D.C., make it one of the most prestigious law schools in the country, particularly known for its focus on public interest law, international law, and government service.

How difficult is it to get into Georgetown Law?

• Getting into Georgetown Law is competitive. The school has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate typically ranging from 20% to 24%. Applicants are expected to have strong academic credentials, including high LSAT or GRE scores, as well as compelling personal statements, letters of recommendation, and relevant experiences that align with the school’s strengths in public service and international law.

Is Georgetown Law Ivy League?

• No, Georgetown Law is not part of the Ivy League. The Ivy League refers to a specific group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States. However, Georgetown Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country and is considered an elite institution in its own right, especially for areas such as public interest law and government service.

Is NYU Law better than Georgetown?

• Both NYU Law and Georgetown Law are highly respected, but which is "better" depends on your specific goals. NYU Law is known for its strength in corporate law, international law, and law and economics, and it consistently ranks in the top 10 law schools in the U.S. Georgetown Law, on the other hand, is particularly strong in public interest law, international law, and government service, benefiting from its location in Washington, D.C. The decision between the two should be based on your career goals and which school’s offerings align more closely with your interests.